Today marks the 12th annual Bell Let’s Talk Day – a Canada-wide effort dedicated to raising awareness and combating stigma around mental illness.
This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign highlights the ways that we can support ourselves and others through actions like listening, being there and talking, which serves as a reminder to our college community that we are never alone.
The past two years have been tough – they’ve been filled with uncertainties, difficult decisions and complex changes – and as COVID-19 continues to affect our daily lives at work, at home and in the community, it’s important to acknowledge how this situation may also be affecting our mental health.
If you are struggling, please reach out for help. If you know someone who is struggling, be the one who listens and offers support where you can. It’s ok to talk about how you are feeling and to support each other in finding ways to cope.
There are many mental health resources available in the community, including right here at Niagara College, and I encourage all employees to take advantage of the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), Sun Life’s Mental Health Strategy Toolkit and Mental Health First Aid Training offered through COE.
In their ongoing effort to raise funds for mental health initiatives, today, Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for every applicable text, local or long distance call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, every social media view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video, and every use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame or Snapchat lens.
Several college areas are showing their support on social media by sharing supportive messages around mental health. Watch NC’s social channels for messages, photos and videos using #BellLetsTalk. Many virtual events and activities for students are also taking place today, thanks to our HWAS and NCSAC teams.
Today, and every day, please remember to listen, talk and ask for help when you need it.
